NLU | Patricia Cassin Graft Scholarship

Patricia Cassin Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund

Fall 2008 Awards

Financial Assistance for NCE Students Dedicated to Teaching in Underserved Schools Who Will be Student Teaching from September 2008 – December 2008

Patricia Cassin Graft, Class of 1957, and Michael J. Graft, Sr. have established the Patricia Cassin Graft Student Teacher Assistance Fund (www.nl.edu/graftfund) at National-Louis University. The fund is a permanent endowment supported by the Graft family, other alumni and friends. The fund is meant to ease the pressure on NCE students who are dedicated to serving underserved schools, and who face financial stress during their required student teaching internship.

Currently, the fund seeks to award $3,000 in tuition assistance awards to graduate or undergraduate NCE students who will complete their student teaching requirement in the Fall 2008 term.

The fund does not provide cash awards. Recipients of the award receive a credit to their account at National-Louis to offset the cost of tuition during their student teaching.

Recipients of the award sign a written agreement (fellowship agreement) that requires them to teach in an underserved school of their choice in the Chicago or suburban region for the first two consecutive years following graduation. We define underserved schools as those where more than half of students are from low income families, and more than half of students are members of minority groups. Consult the Illinois State Board of Education eReport Card Public Site for information about specific public schools.

The fund looks for candidates of exceptional talent who: a) are committed to teaching in low income underserved communities; b) show promise of becoming highly qualified teachers and role models; and c) have significant financial need.

Students who are interested in being considered for this award should prepare an original written narrative and resume that include all of the following criteria:

1. City of residence.

NLU Skokie 0292

2. Cumulative GPA.

3. The NCE program in which you are enrolled (undergrad/grad).

4. Major and/or concentration (early childhood, elementary/middle, secondary, special education; language, science, etc.).

5. When you will graduate.

6. Where you will be student teaching (school name and city) if you know.

7. Why you chose your particular major or area of concentration.

8. Why you want to teach.

9. Your favorite subject to teach, and why.

10. What you think your biggest challenge in the classroom will be as a new teacher.

11. A description of any off campus volunteer work or causes in which you have participated over the last two years, including contact information for verification.

12. Description of other scholarships or awards received in the past.

13. A general description of the financial need you will face during your student teaching.

14. A description of other financial resources available to you.

15. Why you think you should be selected among the other applicants who meet the criteria.

16. How you will “pay it forward” if you receive an award (what you will give back to the community if you are given this award).

17. How you will sustain your commitment to teaching.

18. Any additional information that may be useful for consideration.

19. A resume with contact information, including the name and phone number of your current place of employment if you are currently employed.

20. Names and contact information of at least one NLU faculty who would be willing to recommend you for the scholarship.

Finalists will be asked to meet in person with university representatives on the afternoon of September 10, 2008. No phone meetings will be conducted. Recipients of the award may be asked to participate on an occasional basis in special events and photographs to promote the fund. Apply directly by sending your narrative and attachments via email only to Stscholarships@nl.edu.

Narrative and attachments must be submitted via email by 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 29, 2008. Early submissions are appreciated.